an acceptable level for all processes in the plant to over 0.

92, thus avoiding power factor

under all load conditions.
The results of implementing the solution are
(see fig. 17):
c a reduction in current peaks to 1250 A and the
addition of loads without modification of the
installation, with improved installation efficiency
through reduction of joule losses;
c a reduction in reactive power peaks to
300 kvar and an increase in the power factor
penalties;
c an increase in the nominal voltage to 599 V
and a reduction in voltage dips to 3.2% (see
fig. 16). This is a consequence of the increase in
the power factor and reduction in the current
amplitude (see fig. 18). Visual and nervous
fatigue in personnel due to the flicker was also
eliminated. Welding quality improved, as did
productivity.

a
340

Voltage 335
(V) 330

1500
Current
(A) 1000
1000

kvar 500

d=3s

b
350
Voltage
(V) 340
1250
Current 750
(A)

500
kvar 0

d = 1.5 s

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Average

Fig. 17: Measurement of current, voltage and reactive power: [a] without compensation [b] with compensation.

∆V ∆V
∆V

VS VS
VS Reactive VL
VL VL Welder
compensator

With Without
Fig. 18: Reduction in voltage drop obtained using a real time reactive compensator.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 199 / p.29

6.3 Protection against lightning
Description of the installation
The site consists of offices (computer hardware,
lighting and heating unit), a security post (fire
alarm, burglar alarm, access control, video
surveillance) and three buildings for the
manufacturing process on 10 hectares in the
Avignon region of France (probability of lightning
is 2 strikes per km2 per year).
There are trees and metal structures (pylons) in Main LV Main LV
distribution board distribution board
the vicinity of the site. All of the buildings are Building 1 Building 2
fitted with lightning conductors. The MV and LV
power supplies are underground. 3L 3L
N N
Problems encountered
A storm struck the site, destroying the LV PF65 PF65
installation in the security post and causing
36.5k Euro of operating losses. The presence of
lightning conductors prevented the structure from
catching fire, but the electrical equipment which
was destroyed was not protected by surge
arresters, contrary to the recommendation in
standards UTE C-15443 and IEC 61024.

Solutions
After analysing equipotentiality and earthing of L L
the power system, followed by verification of N N
the installation of lightning conductors and
checking of the values of the earth electrodes,
the decision was taken to install surge
arresters. PF8 PF8
Secondary Secondary
Surge arresters were installed at the head of the distribution board distribution board
installation (main LV distribution board) and in Building 1 Building 1
cascade in each manufacturing building (see
fig. 19). As the neutral point connection was Fig. 19: Installation diagram for several surge arresters
TNC, protection would only be provided in in cascade.
common mode (between phases and PEN).
In conformity with guide UTE C-15443 regarding
operation in the presence of lightning
conductors, the characteristics of the
Merlin Gerin PF65 and PF8 surge arresters (see
fig. 20) are as follows:
c At the head of the installation
In = 20 kA – Imax = 65 kA – Up = 2 kV
PF65
c In cascade (at least 10 m apart)
In = 2 kA – Imax = 8 kA – Up = 1.5 kV
In cascade, good protection is provided for the
secondary distribution boards (offices and
security post).
As the neutral point connection was converted to
TNS, protection had to be provided in common
mode (between phase and PE) and differential PF8
mode (between phases and neutral). The Fig. 20: Low voltage surge arresters (Merlin Gerin
disconnection devices in this case are circuit PF65 and PF8).
breakers with a breaking capacity of 22 kA.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 199 / p.30